Faith Matters—But Fewer Americans Are Sitting in the Pews

While most Americans still say faith is important in their daily lives, a new Rasmussen Reports poll shows a growing divide between personal belief and public worship.

According to the national survey conducted May 1 and 4–5, 2025, 66% of U.S. adults say religious faith plays a role in their day-to-day life—including 41% who say it’s “very important.” But when it comes to showing up at a place of worship, only 20% attend services weekly or more, and a striking 37% say they rarely or never go.

That gap is part of a broader shift in American religious habits. Even though 70% of Republicans, 52% of Democrats, and 46% of independents identify with traditional Christian denominations (Catholic, Protestant, or Evangelical), regular attendance is much lower. Just 26% of Republicans, 19% of Democrats, and 16% of unaffiliated voters attend services at least weekly.

The faith gap also falls along age and gender lines:

• Women are more likely than men to say faith is “very important” (46% vs. 37%).
• Men under 40 are the least likely demographic to prioritize faith.
• Atheism is nearly twice as common among men (13%) as women (6%).

Religious identity also varies across groups:

• 21% identify as Roman Catholic, 20% Protestant, and 14% Evangelical Christian.
• 10% of respondents say they are atheist, and 15% are unsure of their religion.
• Muslims (3% of the population) are the most likely to say religion is “very important” (84%).

Attendance numbers reflect similar demographic divides. Only 15% of Americans say they attend weekly or nearly weekly. About one-quarter (23%) say they go “occasionally,” and another 14% attend at least monthly. The remainder either show up rarely—or not at all.

Rasmussen’s findings mirror a broader national trend: while belief remains common, traditional religious structures are playing a diminished role in many Americans’ lives.

With just one in five regularly attending services despite two-thirds saying faith matters, America is navigating a new spiritual era—one where belief is increasingly personal, and less often tied to the pew.